Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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Acknowledgements
This book is the work of a collaborative group of coauthors.
Other Authors, Theoreticians, Practitioners Whose Writings or Teachings have Impacted This
Work
Stephen Key
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T RIZ P o wer T o o ls
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T RIZ P o wer T o o ls
The Algorithm
(Table of Contents)
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T RIZ P o wer T o o ls
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T RIZ P o wer T o o ls
Introduction
(If you are reading the PDF formatnavigate the algorithms with the Bookmarks to the left. L1,
L2, L3 correspond to levels of the algorithm. The levels are hierarchal; you can go as deeply as
required to resolve your problem. Lower levels (L1, L2) have consolidated methods. If you are
using the book then use the Table of Contents for the Algorithm)
L1 Method
Step 1: If you are providing for new or non-consuming market then it is unlikely that you
will be able to sell or license your idea. Consider manufacturing the product or
providing the service yourself.
Step 2: If you wish to sell or license your idea then create a benefit statement which
describes your idea in 40 words or less. 1
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One Simple Idea by Steven KeyPage 140
Step 3: Develop a one page sales sheet 2 which describes your product and its
advantages.3
Step 4: Develop a Non-Disclosure agreement (NDA)4
Step 5: Draft a preliminary licensing or sales contract.
Step 6: Identify companies that may be interested in your product
Step 7: Identify the decision makers and contact them to see if they want the material.
(Do not go into detail at this point)
Step 8: Offer to send the sales sheet and make a follow up appointment
Step 9: Follow up at the appointed time.
Step 10: Get protection agreement (Non-Disclosure Agreement) in place
Step 11: Negotiate terms of sale or licensing
Step 12: Get legal people involved to finalize sales or licensing contract.
L2 Method
Step 1: Describe the function of your product or service and the part of the job that it
helps to do.
Step 2: Describe the advantages of your product or service.
Step 3: Create a tag line that describes the idea in 40 words or less.
Step 4: Practice and refine it. Try it out on people that you are not trying to sell to.
Watch how they react and adjust accordingly.
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One Simple Idea by Steven KeyPage 140
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One Simple Idea by Steven KeyPage 140
Method
Step 1: Take pictures of the prototype or objects with similar shapes in an appropriate
setting, such as performing the task.
Step 2: Or, download an image from the computer that is very close. Be careful, these
images are usually of much lower quality than one that you can take with a digital
camera.
Step3: Enhance the image with the appropriate software to look like your invention.
Step 4: Add appropriate labeling to the invention. Think of clever branding that may
include the companys name that you are hoping to sell the invention to.
Step 5: Make a sales sheet that describes the invention and its advantages. Use the
benefit statement of the previous step. Do not describe too much. The purpose is to
create interest.
L2 Method
Step 1: Search the internet for a suitable document to protect your intellectual property
in the event that one is not readily available through the potential licensee.
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L2 Method
Step 1: Determine the expected royalties for the industry. Trade associations and
experts in the field can help you with this.
Step 2: Determine the up-front earnest money that you will need to finish the patents.
This helps you and the business. It helps the business to know that their money is going
to something that will ultimately provide them security in producing their product.
Step 3: Write up a preliminary sales or licensing contract. Seek help in putting together
this business agreement. Such agreements can be found on the web for free or for a
small fee.
L2 Method
Step 1: Using your notes from store and internet suppliers, identify potential buyers. Do
your homework; look for companies that market products similar to your invention, or,
manufacturers which will have the right vendor base to manufacture the product. Keep
in mind that most companies are willing to take the risk of working with an outside
inventor if the product concept is good enough. Remember that the less they have to
modify their equipment, the better. Some companies will be willing to move to new
markets if the market is already growing rapidly.
L2 Method
Step 1: Call the company and ask for the manager of product development. If this
person is not available then ask for Engineering or Sales.
Step 2: Be clear that the person you are talking to is the one that makes the decisions
regarding new product offerings.
Step 3: Ask if they want to see an idea that (use your tagline)
Step 4: If the answer is yes, then offer to send them the sales sheet.
Step 5: Schedule a follo- up appointment
Step 6: Follow up at the appointed time
L2 Method
Before meeting, make sure that the PIA is in place and signed by all parties.
L2-Method
Step 1: Follow up with phone call to arrange for a personal meeting. By this time, they
will have a better picture of your vision. Be candid and truthful about your claims of
what the invention can do. If possible, arrange for a face-to-face visit. It may be
appropriate to show a functional prototype during this visit.
Step 2: Visit with the company representative. Work towards signing a business
agreement. This may be an outright sale of the invention or an agreement to license the
invention. Most companies will work towards an exclusive license. Be cautious of
greediness. Ask for royalties that are within the common practice of the industry.
Remember that there are more ideas where this idea came from.
Step 3: It is customary to ask for money up-front which the company can apply to future
royalties. This ensures that the company has motivation to move forward with the idea
and also gives the inventor some capital to work with. If you have not yet filed a regular
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One Simple Idea by Steven KeyPage 133
or traditional patent, this money can be applied to this task. This is a poor mans
approach to gaining a traditional patent.
Step 4: Be prepared to assist with the commercialization of the invention. Give whatever
help is necessary to overcome manufacturing problems. Remember that if your idea is
not easy to manufacture or comes to market poorly, this will affect your royalties. If you
give good advice and support, this will deepen your relationship with a company that you
may want to do future business with.